You’ve probably seen them. Those tiny, walking floor mops with a top-knot and an expression that suggests they just inherited a small fortune. People call them "lap dogs." Honestly? That’s an understatement. The Shih Tzu isn’t just a dog that sits on your lap; they are a 1,000-year-old breed that has mastered the art of human manipulation through sheer, unadulterated cuteness.
But here is the thing.
Most people think a Shih Tzu is just a fragile ornament. They aren’t. They are sturdy, surprisingly athletic, and have a history rooted in the literal palaces of Chinese emperors. If you are looking for a dog that will hike five miles and then demand to be carried the last half-mile because they "just can't even," you've found your match.
The Royal History You Probably Didn't Know
Let’s get one thing straight: the Shih Tzu is old. Like, "predates the Ming Dynasty" old. Most historians, including those from the American Kennel Club, believe the breed originated in Tibet, likely bred by monks. They were sent as gifts to Chinese royalty, where they were crossed with Pekingese to create the look we recognize today.
They were basically the original "influencer" dogs.
In the Forbidden City, these dogs were so prized that commoners weren't even allowed to own them. They were bred to look like little lions—hence the name "Shih Tzu," which translates to "Lion Dog" in Mandarin. It’s funny because they weigh about ten pounds and would probably lose a fight with a particularly aggressive squirrel.
Still, that royal DNA is very much alive. If you own one, you know the "Shih Tzu Stare." It’s that look they give you when their water bowl is only half-full or when you dare to stop scratching their ears for three seconds. It’s a look of profound, ancestral disappointment.
What It’s Actually Like To Live With One
Living with a Shih Tzu is a lesson in compromise. You think it’s your house. It isn't. It’s theirs.
They are incredibly affectionate, but they aren’t "needy" in the same way a Golden Retriever is. A Retriever wants to do a job. A Shih Tzu wants to be the job. They are companion animals through and through. If you work a 12-hour shift and leave them home alone, they will be miserable. They don't need a yard, but they do need your presence.
👉 See also: The Gospel of Matthew: What Most People Get Wrong About the First Book of the New Testament
The Temperament Gap
There is a weird misconception that small dogs are all "yappy." Some are. But a well-bred Shih Tzu is surprisingly chill. They don’t bark at every leaf that falls outside. Instead, they give a sort of huff or a low "boof" to let you know something is up.
Of course, training them is... an experience.
They are smart, but they are also stubborn. "What's in it for me?" is the Shih Tzu motto. If you don't have a high-value treat (we’re talking boiled chicken or high-end freeze-dried liver), they might just look at you and decide that "sit" is more of a suggestion than a command. They aren't dumb. They're just selective.
The Grooming Reality Check
Let’s talk about the hair. Because it’s not fur—it’s hair.
If you want your dog to look like those show dogs on TV with the floor-length, silky coats, you need to prepare for a second career as a dog groomer. That "show coat" requires daily brushing. If you skip two days, you’re looking at mats that can only be removed with scissors.
Most owners (the sane ones) go for the "Puppy Cut."
This involves clipping the hair short all over, leaving the face a bit fluffy. It’s much more manageable. However, even with a short cut, you have to deal with the "Shih Tzu Mustache." Since their faces are flat (brachycephalic), they tend to get food and water all over their facial hair. It gets crusty. It gets smelly. You will spend a significant portion of your life wiping a tiny dog's face with a damp cloth.
And then there are the eyes. Because their eyes are so prominent, they are prone to irritation and injury. You have to keep the hair out of their eyes to prevent ulcers. Many owners use those little bows or hair ties, which looks ridiculous but is actually a medical necessity.
✨ Don't miss: God Willing and the Creek Don't Rise: The True Story Behind the Phrase Most People Get Wrong
Health Concerns Nobody Mentions At The Pet Store
Because they have that flat face, Shih Tzus can have some respiratory issues. They snore. Loudly. It’s kinda cute until it’s 3:00 AM and a 12-pound animal sounds like a freight train next to your head.
They are also prone to:
- Hip Dysplasia: Surprisingly common in smaller breeds too.
- Patellar Luxation: This is when the kneecap slips out of place. If you see your dog doing a weird "hop" while running, that's likely why.
- Dental Issues: Their tiny mouths are crowded with teeth. This is a recipe for gum disease. You have to brush their teeth. Yes, really.
- IVDD: Intervertebral Disc Disease. Because they are long-backed, jumping off a high couch can literally paralyze them. Get doggy stairs. Save their spine.
According to a study published in Scientific Reports, brachycephalic breeds like the Shih Tzu have different sleep patterns because of their breathing—they often wake up briefly just to catch a breath. Keeping them at a healthy weight is the single best thing you can do for their longevity. An overweight Shih Tzu is a dog that will have a very hard time breathing.
The "Designer Dog" Trap
If you are looking for a "Teacup Shih Tzu," stop.
There is no such thing as a teacup variety. Any breeder selling "teacups" is likely breeding runts or using unethical practices to miniaturize a dog that is already small. These dogs often have massive health problems, including open fontanels (soft spots on the skull) and heart defects.
A standard, healthy Shih Tzu should weigh between 9 and 16 pounds.
Also, watch out for the "Imperial" label. It’s another marketing gimmick. Stick to breeders who prioritize health clearances—specifically testing for eyes and hips—rather than those who promise a dog that fits in a coffee mug.
Feeding The Beast
Feeding a Shih Tzu is tricky because they are prone to allergies. Many owners find that grain-inclusive, high-quality proteins work best, but some individual dogs react poorly to chicken or beef.
🔗 Read more: Kiko Japanese Restaurant Plantation: Why This Local Spot Still Wins the Sushi Game
Don't overfeed them.
Because they aren't high-energy athletes, it is incredibly easy for them to get fat. And a fat Shih Tzu looks like a baked potato with legs. It’s hard on their joints and harder on their hearts. Stick to measured meals, not free-feeding.
Is This The Right Dog For You?
If you live in a small apartment and want a shadow that follows you from the kitchen to the bathroom, then yes. If you want a dog that will sit on the couch and watch Netflix for six hours, absolutely.
But if you want a dog for long-distance running or a dog that lives outside? No.
The Shih Tzu is a purely indoor dog. They overheat quickly. Their flat faces make it hard for them to cool down through panting. If it’s over 80 degrees (27°C) outside, they should be in the AC.
They are great with kids, generally speaking. However, because they are small, toddlers can accidentally hurt them. They aren't "snappy" dogs by nature, but any dog will defend itself if its ears are pulled too hard. They usually get along famously with other pets, including cats. In fact, many Shih Tzus seem to think they are cats.
Actionable Steps For New Or Prospective Owners
If you're serious about bringing one of these little lions into your life, or if you just brought one home, here is the immediate checklist:
- Invest in "Eye Wipes": Buy pre-moistened, dog-safe eye wipes. Use them every single morning to clear out the "sleep" from the corners of their eyes to prevent tear staining and infection.
- Buy a High-Quality Harness: Never use a neck collar for walking a Shih Tzu. Their tracheas are fragile. A harness distributes pressure across the chest and prevents "collapsing trachea," which is a common and scary condition.
- Find a Groomer Now: Don't wait until the dog is a matted mess. Introduce your puppy to a professional groomer as soon as they have their shots. They need to get used to the sound of clippers and the feeling of someone touching their paws.
- Get Stairs for the Furniture: Prevent IVDD before it starts. Put a set of foam stairs next to your bed or the sofa so they don't have to jump.
- Socialize Early: Because they can be a bit stubborn, take them to different environments. Let them hear sirens, see bikes, and meet people in hats. A bored Shih Tzu can become a bossy, barky Shih Tzu.
- Check the Ingredients: Look for a food that has real meat as the first ingredient and avoid fillers like corn or soy if your dog shows signs of itchy skin.
The Shih Tzu is a huge personality in a small package. They are regal, goofy, stubborn, and incredibly loyal. Treat them like a king or queen—which they fully expect—and you'll have a companion that basically worships the ground you walk on. Just be prepared to share your pillow. Forever.